U.S. patent application number 11/346756 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-22 for coaxial cable compression connector.
Invention is credited to Jeremy Amidon, Noah Montena.
Application Number | 20070042642 11/346756 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46325233 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070042642 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Montena; Noah ; et
al. |
February 22, 2007 |
Coaxial cable compression connector
Abstract
A compression connector for a coaxial cable includes a unitary
plastic body with a post connected inside the plastic body and a
nut connected to the post. An O-ring seals the connection between
the nut and the plastic body. A compression ring is connected to an
outside of the plastic body. A reinforcing shield is also connected
to the outside of the plastic body. The reinforcing shield serves
to reinforce the plastic body when the compression ring is moved to
its compressed position, so that softer plastics can be used for
the plastic body. The reinforcing shield and compression ring also
protect the entire outside of the plastic body from the
environment.
Inventors: |
Montena; Noah; (Syracuse,
NY) ; Amidon; Jeremy; (Marcellus, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PASTEL LAW FIRM;CHRISTOPHER R. PASTEL
8 PERRY LANE
ITHACA
NY
14850-9267
US
|
Family ID: |
46325233 |
Appl. No.: |
11/346756 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11180757 |
Jul 13, 2005 |
7021965 |
|
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11346756 |
Feb 3, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
439/578 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/6593 20130101;
H01R 9/0518 20130101; H01R 13/6584 20130101; H01R 13/5205 20130101;
H01R 2103/00 20130101; H01R 13/5202 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/578 |
International
Class: |
H01R 9/05 20060101
H01R009/05 |
Claims
1. A compression connector for a coaxial cable, comprising: a
unitary plastic body; a post connected inside the plastic body; a
nut connected to the post; a compression ring connected to an
outside of the plastic body; and a reinforcing shield, separate
from the nut, connected to an outside of the plastic body, and
wherein the reinforcing shield and compression ring protect the
entire outside of the plastic body from the environment when the
compression ring is in both a compressed position and an
uncompressed position.
2. A compression connector according to claim 1, wherein the
reinforcing shield includes a snout, and the snout includes a
capture portion which fits between the post and an O-ring.
3. A compression connector according to claim 2, further
comprising: a retaining ring; and a weather seal, wherein a portion
of the weather seal is fitted between the retaining ring and the
nut.
4. A method for making a compression connector, comprising the
steps of: forming a first sub-assembly by providing a unitary body
having an outside surface and mounting a reinforcing shield to the
outside surface; forming a second sub-assembly by affixing a
weather seal between a nut and a retaining ring; connecting a post
inside the second sub-assembly until a post flange of the post
engages a nut flange of the nut; placing an O-ring onto a capture
portion of the reinforcing shield; connecting the first
sub-assembly with the second sub-assembly; and connecting a
compression ring to an outside of a portion of the first
sub-assembly.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the reinforcing shield
and compression ring protect the entire outside of the plastic body
from the environment.
6. A compression connector, comprising: a unitary plastic body;
means for connecting a post inside the plastic body; means for
connecting a nut to the post; sealing means for sealing a
connection between the nut and the plastic body; means for
connecting a reinforcing shield to an outside of the plastic body,
and means for connecting a compression ring to an outside of the
plastic body; wherein the reinforcing shield and compression ring
protect the entire outside of the plastic body from the environment
when the compression ring is in both a compressed position and an
uncompressed position.
7. A compression connector according to claim 6, wherein the
reinforcing shield includes a snout, and the snout includes a
capture portion which fits between the post and the sealing
means.
8. A compression connector according to claim 7, further
comprising: a retaining ring; and a weather seal, wherein a portion
of the weather seal is fitted between the retaining ring and the
nut.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from and is a continuation
in part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11/180,757 filed on
Jul. 13, 2005 and entitled COAXIAL CABLE COMPRESSION CONNECTOR,
incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of coaxial
cable connectors, and more particularly to a compression connector
with a unitary plastic body having an exterior reinforcing
shield.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Coaxial cable is a typical transmission medium used in
communications networks, such as a CATV network. The cables which
make up the transmission portion of the network are typically of
the "hard-line" type, while those used to distribute the signals
into residences and businesses are typically "drop" connectors. The
principal difference between hard-line and drop cables, apart from
the size of the cables, is that hard-line cables include a rigid or
semi-rigid outer conductor, typically covered with a weather
protective jacket, that effectively prevents radiation leakage and
protects the inner conductor and dielectric, while drop connectors
include a relatively flexible outer conductor, typically braided,
that permits their bending around obstacles between the transition
or junction box and the location of the device to which the signal
is being carried, i.e., a television, computer, and the like, but
that is not as effective at preventing radiation leakage. Hard-line
conductors, by contrast, generally span considerable distances
along relatively straight paths, thereby virtually eliminating the
need for a cable's flexibility. Due to the differences in size,
material composition, and performance characteristics of hard-line
and drop connectors, there are different technical considerations
involved in the design of the connectors used with these types of
cables.
[0004] In constructing and maintaining a network, such as a CATV
network, the transmission cables are often interconnected to
electrical equipment that conditions the signal being transmitted.
The electrical equipment is typically housed in a box that may be
located outside on a pole, or the like, or underground that is
accessible through a cover. In either event, the boxes have
standard ports to which the transmission cables may be connected.
In order to maintain the electrical integrity of the signal, it is
critical that the transmission cable be securely interconnected to
the port without disrupting the ground connection of the cable.
This requires a skilled technician to effect the
interconnection.
[0005] A type of connector usable on cables is the compression type
connector, such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,123.
Compression connectors utilize a compression member that is axially
slidable with relation to the connector body for radially
displacing connecting and sealing members into engagement with the
cable's outer conductor. A compression tool that slides the
compression body into the connector is used by the technician to
effect the connection, and due to the physical constraints of the
compression member and connector body, it is impossible for the
technician to use too much force to effect the interconnection.
Thus, compression connectors eliminate the assembly drawbacks
associated with threaded, and to some degree, crimp type
connectors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Briefly stated, a compression connector for a coaxial cable
includes a unitary plastic body with a post connected inside the
plastic body and a nut connected to the post. An O-ring seals the
connection between the nut and the plastic body. A compression ring
is connected to an outside of the plastic body. A reinforcing
shield is also connected to the outside of the plastic body. The
reinforcing shield serves to reinforce the plastic body when the
compression ring is moved to its compressed position, so that
softer plastics can be used for the plastic body. The reinforcing
shield and compression ring also protect the entire outside of the
plastic body from the environment.
[0007] According to an embodiment of the invention, a compression
connector for a coaxial cable includes a unitary plastic body; a
post connected inside the plastic body; a nut connected to the
post; a compression ring connected to an outside of the plastic
body; and a reinforcing shield, separate from the nut, connected to
an outside of the plastic body, and wherein the reinforcing shield
and compression ring protect the entire outside of the plastic body
from the environment when the compression ring is in both a
compressed position and an uncompressed position.
[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention, a method for
making a compression connector includes the steps of: (a) forming a
first sub-assembly by providing a unitary plastic body and
connecting a compression ring to an outside of the plastic body;
(b) forming a second sub-assembly by affixing a weather seal
between a nut and a retaining ring; (c) connecting a post inside
the second sub-assembly until a post flange of the post engages a
nut flange of the nut; (d) placing an O-ring onto a capture portion
of a reinforcing shield; and (e) connecting the first sub-assembly
with the second sub-assembly.
[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, a compression
connector includes a unitary plastic body; means for connecting a
post inside the plastic body; means for connecting a nut to the
post; sealing means for sealing a connection between the nut and
the plastic body; means for connecting a reinforcing shield to an
outside of the plastic body, and means for connecting a compression
ring to an outside of the plastic body; wherein the reinforcing
shield and compression ring protect the entire outside of the
plastic body from the environment when the compression ring is in
both a compressed position and an uncompressed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a compression connector
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the components of the
compression connector of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a front elevation view of the compression
connector of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4A shows a cross section of an embodiment of the
compression connector of the present invention taken along the
lines 4-4 in FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 4B shows a cross section of an embodiment of the
compression connector of the present invention taken along the
lines 4-4 in FIG. 3.
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a metal shield
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of section 6 of FIG. 5.
[0017] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a unitary plastic
body according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of section 8 of FIG. 7.
[0019] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a compression
connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a compression connector
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of the components of the
compression connector of FIG. 10.
[0022] FIG. 12 shows a partial cutaway perspective view of the
compression connector of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a coaxial cable compression
connector 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.
A plastic body 22 is partly covered by a reinforcing shield 18 and
partly covered by a compression ring 20. Compression ring 20 is
preferably of metal but optionally is of plastic. A post 14 is
disposed inside plastic body 22. A nut 12, preferably of metal for
its conductive properties but optionally of plastic or composite
material, is threaded with a thread 24 to permit connecting
connector 10 to an equipment port or other device. An O-ring 16
preferably prevents moisture from entering connector 10 from the
interface between nut 12, post 14, and plastic body 22.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 3-8, additional details of connector 10
are shown. Shield 18 is held in place by shoulders 36 and 42 of
plastic body 22. Plastic body 22 preferably includes a plurality of
serrations 26, which, in conjunction with barbed tip 28 of post 14,
provide a tight fit of the cable (not shown) and help to prevent
moisture from entering connector 10 along the surface of the cable.
After the end of the cable is prepared for installation, as is
known by those skilled in the art of cable installation, the
prepared cable end is inserted into end 40 of connector 10. Post 14
fits between the insulator core of the cable and the braided layer.
Because plastic body 22 is of plastic, post 14 is preferably of a
conductive material to form part of the electrical ground path from
the cable braid to nut 12.
[0025] Because plastic body 22 is of plastic, it is susceptible to
environmental damage from ultraviolet rays. The plastic is also
susceptible to deformation from the forces imparted by compression
ring 20 during cable installation, thus limiting the type of
plastic used. Shield 18 is preferably metal but could be durable
plastic or a composite material. Shield 18 protects plastic body 22
from the environment and also protects plastic body 22 from
deformation resulting from compression ring 20, thus opening up a
whole range of available plastic materials for use in making
plastic body 22.
[0026] Shield 18 preferably includes a beveled edge 30 (FIG. 6) to
prevent compression ring 20 from knocking shield 18 out of position
while compression ring 20 is moved into position. Beveled edge 30
is preferably angled about 15 degrees from the horizontal. Plastic
body 22 includes a beveled edge 38 to assist compression ring 20 in
moving over plastic body 22 during assembly. Beveled edge 38 is
preferably angled about 15 degrees from the horizontal. During
assembly, compression ring 20 is moved over plastic body 22 until a
beveled groove 34 in compression ring 20 snaps over a beveled stop
32 on plastic body 22.
[0027] Connector 10 is preferably assembled as follows. Shield 18
is snapped over plastic body 22. Then post 14 is inserted into nut
12. O-ring 16 is placed onto plastic body 22. Then the post 14 and
nut 12 combination is moved into plastic body 22 until it engages
with plastic body 22. Compression ring 20 is moved onto plastic
body 22 until beveled groove 34 in compression ring 20 snaps over
beveled stop 32. During cable installation, the prepared cable end
is inserted through compression ring 20 into plastic body 22 so
that the end of post 14 is engaged between the cable braid and the
cable insulated core. Compression ring 20 is then forced onto
plastic body 22 and part of metal shield 18 using a conventional
compression tool until compression ring 20 is held tightly in place
by the friction fit between the cable, compression ring 20, shield
18, plastic body 22, and post 14. The installation of connector 10
onto the cable is then complete.
[0028] In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, compression ring 20 overlaps
shield 18 in the uncompressed position, while in the embodiment of
FIG. 4B, compression ring 20 of compression connector 10' does not
overlap shield 18 when in the uncompressed position. When in the
compressed position, compression ring 20 overlaps shield 18 whether
using the embodiment of FIG. 4A or the embodiment of FIG. 4B.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 9, an embodiment of the invention is shown
in which a connector 10' includes a shield 18' which does not
include shoulder 36 (FIGS. 4A-4B), thus simplifying the
manufacturing process. Note that this embodiment still includes a
texturing or knurling 44 on body 22 which promotes frictional
contact between post 14 and body 22.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 10-12, according to an embodiment of the
invention, a connector 50 is shown which includes a plastic body 68
partly covered by a reinforcing shield 58 and partly covered by a
compression ring 60. Compression ring 60 is preferably of metal but
optionally is of plastic. A post 62 is disposed inside plastic body
68. A nut 64, preferably of metal for its conductive properties but
optionally of plastic or composite material, is threaded to permit
connecting connector 50 to an equipment port or other device. A
retaining ring 54, either of plastic or metal, cooperates with nut
64 to engage a weather seal 52. Retaining ring 54 preferably
includes an integral wrench hex 56 to facilitate wrench tightening
when fastening connector 50 onto the equipment port. An O-ring 66
preferably prevents moisture from entering connector 50 from the
interface between nut 64, post 62, and plastic body 68.
[0031] Shield 58 is held in place by an interference fit with body
68. Plastic body 68 preferably includes a plurality of serrations
76, which, in conjunction with barbed tip 78 of post 62, provide a
tight fit of the cable (not shown) and help to prevent moisture
from entering connector 50 along the surface of the cable. After
the end of the cable is prepared for installation, as is known by
those skilled in the art of cable installation, the prepared cable
end is inserted into end 80 of connector 50. Post 62 fits between
the insulator core of the cable and the braided layer. When body 68
is of plastic, post 62 is preferably of a conductive material to
form part of the electrical ground path from the cable braid to nut
64.
[0032] Because body 22 is preferably of plastic, it is susceptible
to environmental damage from ultraviolet rays. The plastic is also
susceptible to deformation from the forces imparted by compression
ring 60 during cable installation, thus limiting the type of
plastic used. Shield 58 is preferably metal but could be durable
plastic or a composite material. Shield 58 protects body 68 from
the environment and from deformation resulting from compression
ring 60, thus opening up a whole range of available materials for
use in making body 68. Shield 58 preferably includes a beveled edge
as previously described in the earlier embodiments. Shield 58 also
includes a snout 72 which includes a capture portion 70. Capture
portion 70 fits under the inside diameter of O-ring 66 during
assembly. The structural relationship between retaining ring 54,
nut 64, post 62, and shield 58 permits O-ring 66 to have a
relatively thick cross section. The interference fit between
capture portion 70 and post 62 obviates the need for the knurling
44 (FIG. 9) in body 68, which instead has a smooth section 74,
which facilitates inserting post 62 into the coaxial cable during
installation, as well as removing a manufacturing step.
[0033] Connector 50 is preferably assembled as follows. Body 68 is
press fitted into shield 58 to form a first sub-assembly, while
weather seal 52 is affixed between nut 64 and retaining ring 54 to
form a second sub-assembly. Then post 62 is inserted into the
second sub-assembly until the flange of post 62 engages the flange
of nut 64. O-ring 66 is placed onto capture portion 70 of shield
58, after which the first sub-assembly is pushed into the second
sub-assembly until it stops.
[0034] During cable installation, the prepared cable end is
inserted through compression ring 60 into body 68 so that the end
of post 62 is engaged between the cable braid and the cable
insulated core. Compression ring 60 is then forced onto body 68 and
part of metal shield 58 using a conventional compression tool until
compression ring 60 is held tightly in place by the friction fit
between the cable, compression ring 60, shield 58, body 68, and
post 62. The installation of connector 50 onto the cable is then
complete.
[0035] While the present invention has been described with
reference to a particular preferred embodiment and the accompanying
drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment and that
various modifications and the like could be made thereto without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
following claims.
* * * * *